165 Names That Mean Cunning You’ll Love

I know choosing the right name can feel overwhelming. If you’re drawn to names that mean cunning, you’re celebrating intelligence and clever thinking. 

Maybe you value sharp minds, or you’re a writer creating resourceful characters.  Throughout history, cultures have honored cunning as wisdom and street smarts, not deceit. 

I’ve gathered 165 names that reflect cleverness and mental agility. 

Let me help you find the perfect fit for your little one.

What Does “Cunning” Mean in a Name?

Cunning has been valued differently across cultures throughout history. In Norse mythology, it represented wisdom and survival skills. 

Greek and Roman cultures saw it as strategic thinking and mental sharpness. Many Asian traditions honored cunning as clever problem-solving. 

Names tied to cunning often reflect traits like intelligence, quick wit, and strategic thinking. 

These names can shape how people perceive someone, suggesting a person who thinks ahead and solves problems creatively. 

Parents who choose cunning names often want their children to be seen as smart and resourceful, capable of handling life’s challenges with mental agility.

List of 165 Names That Mean Cunning You’ll Love

I’ve organized these 165 cunning names by gender and origin, making it easy for you to find your perfect match quickly.

Boys’ Names

Names for boys that reflect sharp thinking and mental agility. These choices work well for parents who want their sons to be seen as intelligent and resourceful.

1. Alaric: A strong name for a boy who will lead with both strength and smart strategy.
2. Ambrose: Perfect for a child you hope will have lasting wisdom and sharp insight.
3. Apollo: Named after the Greek god known for prophecy and brilliant thinking.
4. Arin: A simple name that carries deep meaning about wisdom and clever thought.
5. Asher: Combines happiness with sharp mental skills for a well-rounded personality.
6. Basil: Suggests royal intelligence and the ability to think like a leader.
7. Bevan: A youthful name that hints at fresh, clever perspectives on life.
8. Blaise: Represents quick thinking and the ability to respond fast in any situation.
9. Cain: A bold choice that suggests crafty thinking and strategic planning.
10. Callum: Peaceful yet intelligent, perfect for a thoughtful and smart child.
11. Cedric: A chief who leads with brains as much as authority.
12. Cyrus: Bright and clever, like the sun that sees everything clearly.
13. Damon: Someone who can tame challenges through shrewd thinking and planning.
14. Darian: Wealth comes from smart decisions and clever resource management.
15. Dexter: A skilled name for someone who masters tasks through intelligence.
16. Eamon: A protector who uses sharp thinking to keep loved ones safe.
17. Edmund: Combines protection with intelligence for a well-rounded guardian type.
18. Elric: A ruler who leads through wisdom rather than force alone.
19. Enzo: Rules the home with clever problem-solving and smart choices.
20. Felix: Lucky because he’s clever enough to create his own good fortune.
21. Finn: Fair and clever, balancing honesty with sharp mental skills.
22. Gideon: A resourceful person who can make something from nothing.
23. Griffin: Strong body paired with an intelligent mind makes a powerful combination.
24. Hugo: All about the mind and intellect, perfect for a deep thinker.
25. Iago: A clever supplanter who thinks several steps ahead of others.
26. Ignatius: Fiery passion combined with cunning strategy creates unstoppable energy.
27. Jasper: Guards treasures through clever thinking and smart protection methods.
28. Julian: Youthful intelligence that stays sharp throughout a lifetime.
29. Kai: Sharp as the sea, constantly moving and adapting to situations.
30. Keegan: A small flame that burns bright through clever thinking.
31. Lennox: Grounded like an elm grove but clever in navigating life.
32. Leo: Brave like a lion with the smarts to back up the courage.
33. Lucian: Brings light through clever ideas and intelligent solutions.
34. Lysander: Frees others through intelligent strategy and smart planning.
35. Malachy: Delivers messages with cunning timing and clever word choices.
36. Marcus: A warrior who fights with brains as much as brawn.
37. Matteo: A gift blessed with sharp thinking and quick understanding.
38. Micah: Questions everything with an intelligent, curious mind.
39. Milo: A soldier who wins battles through clever tactics and strategy.
40. Nolan: A champion who achieves victory through cunning and smarts.
41. Odin: The Norse god famous for wisdom above all other traits.
42. Orion: A hunter who tracks prey through intelligent observation and patience.
43. Pascal: Smart thinking around traditions and knowing when to follow them.
44. Percival: Pierces through problems with clever analysis and sharp insight.
45. Phineas: An oracle who sees the future through intelligent pattern recognition.
46. Quinlan: Grace combined with cleverness creates an impressive presence.
47. Raphael: Heals through intelligent diagnosis and clever treatment methods.
48. Remy: Rows through life’s challenges with clever strokes and smart direction.
49. Ronan: Small but mighty through cunning thinking and quick reactions.
50. Soren: Stern on the outside but sharp-minded in solving problems.
51. Sylas: Navigates the forest of life through clever pathfinding and wisdom.
52. Thaddeus: A heart that feels deeply but thinks intelligently too.
53. Tobias: Goodness paired with cunning makes a trustworthy but smart person.
54. Tristan: Turns sorrow into wisdom through clever reflection and growth.
55. Victor: Wins not just through effort but through intelligent strategy.

Girls’ Names



Names for girls that celebrate intelligence and quick wit. These options honor smart, resourceful young women who think on their feet.

56. Adira: Strong in both body and mind with clever problem-solving abilities.
57. Alessia: Defends herself and others through cunning strategy and smart moves.
58. Amara: Lives forever through the intelligent legacy she creates.
59. Aria: Light as air but sharp in catching details others miss.
60. Athena: The Greek goddess who represents pure wisdom and strategic thinking.
61. Beatrix: Travels through life making clever choices at every turn.
62. Briony: Sprouts new ideas through cunning creativity and fresh thinking.
63. Callista: Beauty paired with intelligence creates a powerful presence.
64. Camilla: Young but already showing signs of clever ceremonial thinking.
65. Cassandra: Sees the future through intelligent observation and pattern recognition.
66. Celeste: Heavenly intelligence that rises above ordinary thinking.
67. Clio: Glorious in her clever storytelling and intelligent record-keeping.
68. Daphne: Rooted like a laurel tree but cunning in growth and survival.
69. Delia: From a sacred island known for intelligent worship and thinking.
70. Diana: Divine intelligence that shines through in hunting and strategy.
71. Elara: Shines bright through cunning ideas and clever solutions.
72. Eleanor: Bright intelligence that lights up every room and conversation.
73. Elodie: Grows cleverly like a marsh flower, adapting to surroundings.
74. Esme: Loved for her cunning charm and intelligent conversations.
75. Estelle: Shines like a star through intelligent achievements and smart moves.
76. Freya: The goddess who combines love with clever manipulation and strategy.
77. Gaia: Nurtures the earth through intelligent care and wise choices.
78. Genevieve: A woman of her people who leads through clever decisions.
79. Hermione: Grounded intelligence that stays practical and useful.
80. Imara: Strong through cunning survival skills and smart adaptations.
81. Ingrid: Beautiful on the outside, intelligent on the inside.
82. Isolde: Rules over ice through clever control and strategic thinking.
83. Jasmine: A divine gift of cunning beauty and intelligent grace.
84. Jocasta: Shines like the moon through intelligent reflection and clever thinking.
85. Juniper: Young and fresh but already showing clever instincts.
86. Kaia: Pure intelligence unclouded by unnecessary complications.
87. Lara: Protects herself and others through clever defensive strategies.
88. Livia: Peaceful like an olive tree but cunning in survival.
89. Luna: Reflects light intelligently like the moon, seeing in darkness.
90. Lyra: Makes music through clever string arrangements and intelligent composition.
91. Maia: Great intelligence that commands respect and admiration.
92. Maris: Flows like the sea with cunning adaptability and fluid thinking.
93. Minerva: The Roman goddess who personifies wisdom and strategic warfare.
94. Nia: Lives with purpose through clever goal-setting and intelligent planning.
95. Odette: Wealthy through cunning investments and intelligent resource management.
96. Ophelia: Helps others through cunning assistance and clever support.
97. Penelope: Weaves clever plans while waiting for the right moment.
98. Petra: Solid as a rock but intelligent in standing firm.
99. Phaedra: Bright cunning that shines through in difficult situations.
100. Portia: Humble beginnings paired with intelligent rise to success.
101. Rhea: Flows through life with clever adaptability and smooth transitions.
102. Sabine: Clever heritage from people known for cunning survival.
103. Selene: Moon intelligence that sees what daylight hides.
104. Serena: Calm on the surface but clever underneath the tranquility.
105. Thalia: Blooms through cunning growth and intelligent development.
106. Valeria: Strong through cunning strength training and intelligent fortitude.
107. Veda: Pure knowledge gained through clever study and intelligent learning.
108. Veronica: Shows the true image through cunning honesty and smart truth.
109. Zara: A princess who rules through cunning diplomacy and intelligent choices.
110. Zephyrine: Blows like the west wind with clever direction and intelligent force.

Unisex Names



Names that work for any child, celebrating intelligence regardless of gender. These versatile options suit anyone who values smart thinking and resourcefulness.

111. Alex: Defends through clever tactics rather than brute force alone.
112. Ariel: A lion of God with intelligent strength and cunning power.
113. Ash: Happy because they’re cunning enough to create joy.
114. Blair: Open like a field but clever in what grows there.
115. Casey: Brave through cunning strategy, not reckless courage.
116. Cassidy: Literally means clever, perfect for a smart child.
117. Charlie: Free through clever thinking that breaks mental chains.
118. Dakota: A friend who helps through intelligent advice and cunning support.
119. Eden: Delights in clever pleasures and intelligent enjoyments.
120. Ellis: Benevolent intelligence that helps others through smart kindness.
121. Emery: Brave through cunning planning rather than blind courage.
122. Finley: A warrior who wins through clever tactics and intelligent strategy.
123. Flynn: Red-haired son blessed with intelligent thinking and quick wit.
124. Gray: Wise like gray hair earned through clever life experience.
125. Harper: Plays the harp of life through cunning finger work and intelligence.
126. Indigo: Deep blue intelligence that goes beyond surface thinking.
127. Jamie: Supplants through clever maneuvering rather than direct confrontation.
128. Jordan: Flows down through life with cunning adaptability and smart choices.
129. Jules: Youthful intelligence that stays fresh and clever.
130. Kai: Moves like the sea with clever waves and intelligent tides.
131. Kendall: From the valley but climbs through cunning ambition and smarts.
132. Kennedy: A chief who leads through cunning decisions and intelligent guidance.
133. Lennox: Grounded like an elm grove with clever root systems.
134. Logan: Small hollow that holds clever ideas and intelligent thoughts.
135. London: From the river of cunning flow and intelligent current.
136. Luca: Brings light through clever illumination and intelligent brightness.
137. Lynn: Falls like a waterfall with cunning force and intelligent direction.
138. Morgan: Born of the sea with clever adaptability and fluid intelligence.
139. Noah: Rests cleverly, knowing when to act and when to wait.
140. Oakley: Clear like an oak clearing with cunning openness and intelligent space.
141. Parker: Keeps the park through clever guardianship and intelligent protection.
142. Quinn: Wise and cunning, thinking through every decision carefully.
143. Reese: Enthusiastic through clever passion and intelligent energy.
144. Remy: Rows through challenges with cunning strokes and smart direction.
145. Riley: Courageous through cunning bravery and intelligent risk-taking.
146. River: Flows with cunning current and intelligent direction through life.
147. Robin: Famous for clever deeds and intelligent heroic actions.
148. Rory: A red king who rules through cunning strategy and smart leadership.
149. Rowan: Small but clever like a redhead with quick wit and intelligence.
150. Sage: Wise through clever learning and intelligent life experience.
151. Sam: Told by God to use cunning wisdom and intelligent faith.
152. Sidney: Wide meadow of clever opportunities and intelligent possibilities.
153. Skyler: A scholar who learns through cunning study and intelligent methods.
154. Spencer: Keeps provisions through clever storage and intelligent planning.
155. Sterling: High quality through cunning craftsmanship and intelligent work.
156. Sydney: Wide island of clever resources and intelligent opportunities.
157. Taylor: Tailors life through cunning adjustments and intelligent alterations.
158. Tegan: Fair through intelligent justice and cunning balanced thinking.
159. Toni: Priceless because of clever value and intelligent worth.
160. Tristan: Turns sorrow into cunning wisdom and intelligent growth.
161. Val: Strong through cunning fortitude and intelligent resilience.
162. Wren: Small bird with clever survival skills and intelligent instincts.
163. Wynn: A friend who supports through cunning help and intelligent advice.
164. Zephyr: Blows like west wind with clever direction and intelligent force.
165. Zion: Reaches the highest point through cunning climbing and intelligent strategy.

Tips for Choosing a Name That Means Cunning

• Think about your cultural background and how the name honors your heritage while celebrating intelligence.
• Say the name out loud with your last name to make sure it sounds natural and flows well.
• Consider how others might perceive the name, ensuring it suggests smarts rather than negative traits.
• Check potential nicknames to see if they maintain the clever meaning you want.
• Research the name in other languages to avoid awkward translations or unintended meanings.

Conclusion

I hope this list of 165 cunning names has sparked some ideas for you. 

These names celebrate intelligence, wit, and resourcefulness in ways that will serve your child well throughout life. 

Take your time going through each option and see which ones resonate with you personally. 

Every name here carries a special meaning about clever thinking and sharp minds. I’d love to hear which name caught your attention. 

Drop your favorite in the comments below and tell me why it speaks to you. 

Happy naming!

Frequently Asked Questions  

What does it mean when a name has a cunning meaning?

A name with a cunning meaning celebrates intelligence, wit, and clever thinking. These names often come from cultures that valued strategic minds and quick problem-solving abilities.

Are cunning names suitable for babies?

Yes, cunning names work great for babies because they highlight positive traits like intelligence and resourcefulness. Parents choose these names hoping their children will grow up to be smart and quick-thinking.

Can cunning names work for both boys and girls?

Absolutely, many cunning names are unisex and work for any gender. I’ve included options in all three categories so you can find the right fit regardless of your baby’s gender.

Do cunning names have negative meanings?

Not at all when chosen carefully from this list. These names focus on intelligence and wit rather than deceit, celebrating mental sharpness as a positive quality.

How do I know if a cunning name is right for my child?

Say the name out loud and imagine using it daily for years to come. If it feels natural and you like what it represents about intelligence and cleverness, it’s probably a good choice.